BF2407aBeautiful Marbled Eublemma purpurina

(Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)

Wingspan c.25mm. This very attractive species was first noted in Britain when an individual was trapped at Portland in Dorset, in August 2004. Subsequent investigation revealed that a number of individuals appeared around the south coast around this time, some predating the initial record, and in fact a hitherto misidentified specimen was unearthed from 2001. The species has since occurred on a number of occasions, all in the south and south-east of England. Occurring in mainland Europe, the larvae of this species feed on thistles (Cirsium), and inhabit open, dry grassland.